To invest in the world you want to live in means aligning your investments with your values and beliefs. It encompasses various aspects, including:
By investing in the world you want to live in, you not only strive to create positive change but also contribute to building a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come. It's a reminder that every financial decision we make has the power to shape the world in which we live, and by choosing wisely, we can collectively create a better tomorrow.
]]>The practice of upcycling inner tubes into jewelry is a testament to human ingenuity and environmental consciousness. By repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to waste, artisans are not only creating unique fashion accessories but also championing sustainability in their craft.
At the forefront of this movement is Laura Zabo, a visionary designer renowned for her eco-friendly creations. Zabo's journey began with a simple realization: discarded inner tubes, despite their rugged appearance, possess untapped potential. With a blend of creativity and craftsmanship, she set out to transform these overlooked materials into fashionable jewelry pieces that captivate the eye and conscience alike.
The process of upcycling inner tubes into jewelry is as intricate as it is rewarding. Each tube undergoes a meticulous transformation, where it is cleaned, cut, and shaped into intricate designs. From bold statement necklaces to delicate earrings, the possibilities are endless, limited only by the artisan's imagination.
One of the key appeals of inner tube jewelry lies in its versatility and durability. Contrary to expectations, these pieces are not only resilient but also surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to wear. Moreover, their sleek, black appearance exudes a sense of understated elegance, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of upcycled inner tube jewelry is its environmental impact. By diverting materials from landfills and giving them new purpose, artisans like Zabo are contributing to a more sustainable future. Each piece serves as a reminder of the potential inherent in everyday objects and the importance of mindful consumption.
For consumers, investing in upcycled inner tube jewelry is more than just a fashion statement – it's a commitment to sustainability and ethical consumption. By supporting artisans who prioritize environmental stewardship, individuals can play a role in reducing waste and promoting eco-conscious practices.
As the demand for sustainable fashion continues to grow, the appeal of upcycled inner tube jewelry shows no signs of waning. With each piece, artisans are not only showcasing their talent but also advocating for a more responsible approach to design and consumption. In a world where creativity knows no bounds, the possibilities for upcycling are endless – and the journey from inner tube to jewelry is just the beginning.
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As summer draws to a close and we prepare to spend more time within the comfort of our homes, now is the ideal moment to explore the realm of creativity through engaging activities like knitting, beading, crafting, or even upcycling! Personally, I am ecstatic to offer my own expertise in this field, knowing how beneficial it can be for so many of you. I implore you to join me on my YouTube channel, where you can embark on a new journey and learn a valuable skill that will undoubtedly bring you great satisfaction! Trust me, you won't regret it!
Follow my YouTube channel to learn about upcycling and selling your crafts!
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At the beginning of my journey, the process of collecting inner tubes proved difficult as it is very common for people here to repair them. On average, I would find only two or three tubes in any given bike shop per week, not enough for my needs. So, I set off walking around to every store in the hopes of finding more. Fortunately, I was able to convince some to begin saving up rubber, which has since made my job easier. It's certainly been an adventure!
Contrastingly, while London is often perceived to be a lavish city, in reality, it is overrun with trash, rampant poverty and expensive living costs. Meanwhile, northern Spain is wonderfully clean, both in the cities and rural areas, with people who clearly take pride in looking after their environment. Plus, the low costs of living make it an enjoyable place to be - the bars and restaurants are always bustling with happy people of all ages!
Travelling and discovering how different countries run and look has been an absolute joy and I am truly grateful that upcycling has allowed me to have these experiences.
To this day, I have likely accumulated approximately three hundred inner tubes - what an incredible achievement! - Only in Spain :)
Check out the latest jewellery inspired by this colourful country!
many blessings
Laura
]]>7 incredible years have passed and I am still in love with the art of upcycling inner tubes into jewellery and other accessories.
]]>Anyone who has known me for many years has been able to follow my progress from country to country and city to city, seeing my upcycling concept become more and more of a reality. My creations, my jewelry, even my online presence were quite simple at the start, yet I still managed to make a living through sales. Unstoppable, I worked diligently to collect scrap rubber, clean and create my items, promote them and go trading on weekends. Nearly every penny was reinvested, as I was determined to make a difference in the world with this new way of life - upcycling as a lifestyle, income and personal mission.
This club is aimed for people who are interested in knowing more about my story, a glimpse into my personal life and my daily routine inside and outside of the workshop. This inside into my life and my work will help club members build a new skill that will open doors for anybody to create jewellers and accessories for any occasion, for anyone. There is a small monthly fee of £6month for this membership, which will give you access into the community I’m building in tyre upcycling. This monthly fee will help me to move forward and bring this new industry into the mainstream.
Within this membership community, I have so many stories I would love to share. Since childhood, I have always been active and have come across so many exciting adventures and experiences. However, I have also experienced anxiety, sadness and many struggles with who I am as a person. I want to share who I am as a person and share what is going on in my life physically and mentally, which I don’t believe compliment my sustainable fashion social media profiles. This new community I am building is a perfect way of expanding through a separate medium.
As I grow, so does my business at an exponential rate, I am more inclined to share my journey – both the highs and lows. I want to share my philosophies, my favourite books, private life, sex life, my experiences with psychedelics and how they have changed my life. Most importantly, I will be sharing the true me; Laura.
Alongside this, I will implement techniques and ideas to help grow your business, specifically surrounding upcycling and aiding with other sustainable businesses.
How do I join?
The private membership club costs £6 a month with no contract, so you are free to cancel at any time. You can buy a subscription through this link and in the comment section please add your Instagram profile name.
Once you have paid I will accept you on Instagram and we can start this journey together!
It is important to note that not everyone will be accepted to this group. If I do not know you or I don’t agree with your Instagram you won’t be able to join the club and your money will be immediately refunded.
]]>With the rise of the fast fashion industry, the emergence of the need for ‘slow fashion’ rose and many people are turning to buying more locally, second hand and choosing more eco-conscience handmade items that are more reliable. The fast fashion industry over the last 10 years, has grown at an astonishing rate, being worth over £60 billion within the UK alone. Many people choose to shop fast fashion, on sites such as: Shein, H&M, Zara and Primark, to name a few, as a way to consume fashion and trends at a quick and easy rate. However, there are better, more sustainable options available, if you just look a little bit longer!
We love shopping handmade and local, as you are supporting not only a business, but a family, a community and someone’s dream of creating what they enjoy and love. Furthermore, shopping circular on the app Vinted, giving new life to someone’s clothes they don’t want is the perfect way of shopping guilt-free that doesn’t break the bank.
Here are some fast fashion items we found, that if you looked a little longer you could’ve found more sustainable options we like below:
These belts are from H&M and Mango, all high street stores. Do you find them special? Unique? Pretty? We don't think so! These belts are not even sustainable, long-lasting or the best option for your wallet.
But look what we have found for a similar investment, but much cooler.
Laura Zabo creates unique accessories from scrap tyre rubber, which means that they are durable and totally earth-friendly too. And if you think that tyres can’t be beautiful, just check these images; actresses Gabby Bourne and Tal Anderson wearing belts made completely from bicycle tyres.
With longevity of the product, they will last longer than other options available on the high street:
Have you heard about the app Vinted ? If you still like high street brands why not to grab a bargain ?
Shopping second hand is a perfect way to find items at a cheaper price, whilst continuing to make eco-conscience decisions. You can buy anything second hand – that is even brand new! Below are some examples of designer belts that are being sold on the app Vinted, that are brand new with tags:
If you love brands, shop second hand! Find those hidden gems for what you've been looking for! The fast fashion industry is consuming us too much and we need to break the chain, before it's too late. Make eco-conscience choices, shop sustainable, shop handmade and shop second hand.
To shop sustainable now at Laura Zabo : https://laurazabo.com/
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The fast fashion industry has completely revolutionised the way we look, choose and buy our clothes. This industry has been popularised for creating cheaper items of clothing at a fast paced turnaround, feeding into the trend cycles of the modern world. However, how sustainable are these fast fashion brands and should we be consuming them? The fashion industry is responsible for producing 100 billion garments a year for over 7 billion people, as well as approximately sending 40 million tonnes back to landfill or to be incinerated annually. This statistic is frightening, and the fast fashion industry is a main culprit due to the overload of items daily that is being created. For example, Shein, a popular Chinese company focusing their target market on the Gen Z consumer, churns out a whopping 6,000 new items daily onto their website – 6 times more than the popular UK brand ASOS. Brands such as Shein and PrettyLittleThing are dominating the fashion industry and are becoming the new norm, despite fast fashion being one of the leading forces as to why the fashion industry is responsible for over 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
How can we break this cycle and improve the way we shop? Shop sustainable! Research and choose sustainable options that are ecologically and socially responsible. Research brands that are challenging fast fashion norms, and begin to choose quantity over quality! Choose clothing and accessories that have been manufactured ethically, as well as positive towards the environment we live in. Choosing fashion items that are made from sustainable materials, buying from local businesses and learning about different sustainable options are all small ways you can change the world we live in and do your bit for the environment!
Check out Laura Zabo upcycled inner tube accessories for both men and women!
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Ask yourselves these questions next time you treat yourself to a new clothing item/product: am I actively taking part in change for a better planet? Am I ready to leave my comfort zone and change my habits? Can I champion sustainability and encourage others to do the same?
If not, you should reconsider your priorities and consider how you are impacting our already crippling planet.
Use your time, power and energy to bring positive change to the world!
Flanelle Magazine
Fienfh Magazine
]]>Shockingly, the number is in the billions and not only are they discarded but they take hundreds of years to break down, polluting the environment as they go.
The problem with cheap products is that people love them for a short time span before getting bored and throwing them away, making them extremely unsustainable. Mass produced products don’t offer the same thrill and joy as hand-made, unique and sustainable items.
Why not change your habits to accommodate a happier and more creative lifestyle?
Give more value to your life by selecting unique pieces that brighten your style and your soul!
Browse Laura Zabo's belts and jewellery, live a sustainable lifestyle and look good along the way.
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The start of 2022 has been very exciting. I moved back to London where I now meet with more eco-conscious costumers, fellow upcyclers and like-minded people. I have set up a workshop on the Isle of Dogs where I hand craft and sell my pieces. If you ever find yourself needing a last-minute gift or a unique, handmade treat for yourself, pop along and have a browse! Alternatively, if you are interested in the craft itself and wonder how I create my statement accessories out of scrap rubber, then why not come along and see for yourself? My interactive classes are both relaxed and fun, making them the perfect activity for beginners.
Please book an appointment before your visit or via 0203 290 6735.
Craft Central, The Forge, Unit 116, 397-411 Westferry Road, E14 3AE
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thank you for visiting my virtual home and shop.
Sorry to disappoint you but I am running low on belts. But good news, that next couple of days I will collect many scrap tyres; so from beginning of November I will have a nice, colourful new stock.
I will offer these adorable pieces with an unbeatable price, so think about your friends, family members, and loved ones. Xmas is just around the corner so please be kind to Mother Earth and make eco-conscious choices.
Upcycled bicycle tyres belts are unique, durable and long lasting, handmade in England!
If you have any question, please contact me. I am happy to help and assist with your choices.
Please come back in few days to see the new belts.
]]>Litter picking is the only solution in combatting this awful habit, we must popularise it so that less litter inhabits our streets.
It saddens me to admit that, after living in many countries around the globe, England is the worst for littering. Ironically, this doesn’t correlate with the fact that England is one of the richest countries in the world. Why is it that a country with such a rich history and beautiful landscapes is subjected to the disease which is littering? Even during the past year where COVID has kept people inside, littering still hasn’t subsided. Trash still scatters playgrounds, roadsides and fields and the worst part is that people are used to it. Why are our eyes so accustomed to living in filth?
I am shocked every time I see children playing amongst rubbish at the playgrounds and parks. I wonder whether their parents teach them to not litter, to clean the environment and ensure they are contributing to a cleaner planet. These questions muddle me and show just how much work we must do.
It is not all bad. After reaching out on social media to ask for help cleaning a local corner that is constantly heaving with rubbish, I got lots of positive feedback. After only 24 hours 15 people had confirmed that they would help clean the street.
Can you imagine if no one picked up their dog poo? This is a norm in society so why can’t litter picking, which is less nasty, become one too? Lets’ work to change our society and the societal norms that have been in place for so long.
Start litter picking and watch the world grow slowly greener!
]]>Recycling is an expensive and difficult process which uses up a lot of energy, whereas upcycling is a sustainable way of creating something new out of something considered “trash” - and anyone can do it!
I believe that although recycling certainly has it's value, upcycling is the way forward and we encourage everyone to upcycle as much as they can to help create a greener planet. Together we make it!
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1. The Guardian - "Yes, bacon really is killing us"
"Decades’ worth of research proves that chemicals used to make bacon do cause cancer."
"Consuming 50g of processed meat a day – equivalent to just a couple of rashers of bacon or one hotdog – would raise the risk of getting bowel cancer by 18% over a lifetime."
"According to Cancer Research UK, if no one ate processed or red meat in Britain, there would be 8,800 fewer cases of cancer."
Check out the article...
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/01/bacon-cancer-processed-meats-nitrates-nitrites-sausages
2. The Independent- "We all need to stop eating meat now, and this is why"
"A kilo of lentils creates only 0.9 kg of CO2. Along with not flying and driving, going vegetarian is one of the very best things you can do for the earth."
"Half the world’s wild animals have disappeared in the last 40 years"
Check out the article...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/need-stop-eating-meat-now/
3. CNN - "Go vegan, save the planet"
"Emissions from the production of beef and lamb are 250 times higher than those from legumes."
"About 80% of all Amazon deforestation is due to cattle-raising"
"A study published in Nature found that, by 2050, a projected 80% increase in global greenhouse gas emissions from food production can be avoided if the global diet is an equal-parts mixture of the Mediterranean, pescetarian and vegetarian diets."
Check out the article....
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/08/opinions/go-vegan-save-the-planet-wang/index.html
4. The Independent - "7 reasons why you should stop eating meat immediately"
"What The Health, which claims that eating eggs is as bad for us as smoking cigerettes."
"29 per cent of Brits believe that cutting it out might help with weight loss goals."
"67 per cent of people who partook in Veganuary – whereby non vegans follow a strict vegan diet for the entire month of January – will remain vegan. Plus, 97 per cent of participants reported feeling healthier, with 87 per cent claiming to feel more energised."
Check out the article...
5. Medical News Today ' "Going vegan could prevent type 2 diabetes"
"Overweight people who switched to a vegan diet for 16 weeks showed improvements in insulin sensitivity plus the functioning of beta cells compared with a control group."
"The vegan diet also led to improvements in blood sugar levels, both during fasting and during meals."
"Adopting a vegan diet could be an effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes."
Check out the article..
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320909.php
6. Today - "Grilling meat may raise risk of high blood pressure, study finds"
"Cooking meat at high temperatures can cause potentially cancer-causing chemicals to form"
"Processed meat, such as bacon or hot dogs, does cause cancer"
Check out the article...
https://www.today.com/health/grilling-meat-may-raise-risk-high-blood-pressure-study-t125532
7. Live Kindly - "Doctor Joel Kahn's 7 Reasons For Leaving Meat Off Your Plate"
"Meat is insulinogenic is rarely mentioned and may contribute to aging."
"A plant-based fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce levels of IGF-1, which has an anti-aging effect."
"Amino acid found in high levels in meat, methionine, increased oxidative stress and inflammation and actually reduced heart strength"
Check out the article...
https://www.livekindly.co/doctor-joel-kahn-7-reasons-meat-off-plate/
8. The Washington Post - "Meat is horrible"
"Denmark is considering a recommendation from its ethics council that all red meats should be taxed"
"Countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland have dramatically reduced their agricultural emissions output, as much as a half."
"Agriculture today accounts for for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions."
Check out the article...
9. The Guardian - "Rising global meat consumption 'will devastate the environment'"
"Meat production – particularly livestock – is linked to far higher carbon emissions than vegetables, fruits and grains. Livestock production currently accounts for 15% of all anthropogenic emissions (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide)."
"Since 2015, processed meat has been ranked by the World Health Organization in a group of 120 proven carcinogens alongside alcohol, asbestos and tobacco."
Check out the article...
10. Huff Post - "These Are The Reasons You Might Quit Meat In 2018"
"Without cutting the overconsumption of meat, it will be almost impossible to prevent global warming from passing the danger level of 2 degrees Celsius."
"Major changes in livestock production, including the spread of so called mega-farms where large numbers of animals are reared in close confinement, has led to criticisms over what some see as unacceptable levels of animal welfare."
Check out the article...
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/plant-based-protein-burger_us_5a392ed6e4b0860bf4ab477a
11. News Press - "Help environment by giving up eating meat, dairy: your say"
"A 2010 United Nations report blamed animal agriculture for 19 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, 70 percent of freshwater use, and 38 percent of land use."
"Carbon dioxide is emitted by burning forests to create animal pastures and by transporting animals."
Check out the article...
12. Green News - "Meat and Masculinity: Men leading a vegan lifestyle"
"Veganism is a way to transform capitalism regarding animal exploitation and “to challenge the exploitation of the environment and our health.”"
"Vegan diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle."
Check out the article...
https://greennews.ie/meat-and-masculinity-men-leading-a-vegan-lifestyle/
13. PETA - 10 Shocking Stats About Water and Meat-Eating
"If you eat meat, you’re responsible, on average, for the consumption of 15,000 litres of water a day."
"Ditching meat reduces your water footprint by almost 60 per cent."
"According to research published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a meat-eater’s diet requires 14 times more water than a vegetarian’s."
Check out the article...
https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/10-shocking-stats-about-water-and-meat-eating/
14. Bustle - "8 Reasons Meat Is Bad For You"
"On average, vegans are 10 to 20 pounds lighter than adult meat-eaters."
"If you eat meat, you run a greater risk of making yourself antibiotic-resistant."
"Large studies in England and Germany showed that vegetarians were about 40 percent less likely to develop cancer compared to meat-eaters, the most common forms being breast, prostate, and colon cancers. "
Check out the article...
https://www.bustle.com/articles/137865-8-reasons-meat-is-bad-for-you-yes-even-chicken
15. USC News - "Meat and cheese may be as bad as smoking"
"Even the small change of decreasing protein intake from moderate levels to low levels reduced likelihood of early death by 21 percent."
"In a study of tumor rates and progression among mice, the researchers showed lower cancer incidence and 45 percent smaller average tumor size among mice on a low-protein diet than those on a high-protein diet by the end of the two-month experiment."
Check out the article...
https://news.usc.edu/59199/meat-and-cheese-may-be-as-bad-for-you-as-smoking/
16. The Independent- "Processed Meat and Cancer Link"
"Those who ate the most processed meat had around a 17 per cent higher risk of developing bowel cancer, compared to those who ate the least."
"Processed red meats contain chemicals that generate N-nitroso compounds in the gut, such as nitrite preservatives."
Check out the article...
17. The New York Times - "Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler"
"Americans are downing close to 200 pounds of meat, poultry and fish per capita per year (dairy and eggs are separate, and hardly insignificant), an increase of 50 pounds per person from 50 years ago."
"The world’s total meat supply was 71 million tons in 1961. In 2007, it was estimated to be 284 million tons."
Check out the article...
https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html
18. The Washington Post- "Evidence grows linking grilled meat and cancer, but you can lower the risk"
"With plenty of studies showing that people who report eating diets heavy in red and processed meats have higher risks of certain types of cancer, as well as heart disease and other chronic illnesses."
"The case for meat as a cancer risk has been building for decades."
Check out the article...
19. The Guardian - "Avoiding meat and dairy is 'single biggest way' to reduce your impact on Earth"
"A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use."
"Beef cattle raised on deforested land result in 12 times more greenhouse gases and use 50 times more land than those grazing rich natural pasture."
Check out the article...
20. Health Essentials - "The Link Between Red Meat and Cancer: What You Need to Know"
"Each 50-gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent."
"The IARC classified processed meat as a “definite” cause of cancer, or a Group 1 carcinogen – the same group that includes smoking and alcohol."
Check out the article...
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/link-red-meat-cancer-need-know/
Laura,
]]>I am happy knowing I have done my part yet I cannot possibly take on the responsibility for the rest of the world. Earth protects us with its lush greenery and vibrant wildlife so why can’t we protect her? All it takes is a bit of effort on your part. Pick up your litter and know your contributing to a cleaner planet.
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